Medicare part A is part of a federal government health insurance package called Original Medicare. This package has two parts: Medicare part A and Medicare part B. If you are above the age of 65, you are automatically eligible for Part A, especially if you have started receiving your retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.
You are also eligible for Medicare if you have a disability of any kind or diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). However, before you can enroll in Part A, you must be a citizen of the United States or have been a legal and permanent resident for at least five consecutive years.
Medicare Part A coverage
Part A, otherwise known as hospital insurance, covers the following:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Hospice care
- Restricted home health care services
- Access to expert nursing facilities (as far as watchful care will not be the only care needed)
Some of these benefits are available only in certain situations and can only be received after specific conditions are met.
Hospital coverage for Medicare Part A
A recipient of Medicare Part A will enjoy the coverage of hospital expenses, especially those essential to an inpatient. These expenses include meals, nursing care, semi-private room, and drugs that are part of your inpatient treatment. The package will also cover any other supplies or services provided by the hospital. These services can be:
- Occupational therapy
- Medical social services
- Physical therapy
- Isolated or part-time expert nursing care
- Isolated or part-time home health care services
- Heavy-duty medical equipment (as prescribed by your healthcare provider)
- Speech-language pathology services
If you are required to have medical equipment by your doctor, and it is a crucial part of your medical treatment, this will usually be covered by Part B. Medicare usually takes care of 80% of the amount for the medical equipment as long as you are eligible.
However, Part A does not cover any services, such as meals or home care, that are not related to your inpatient treatment. It also does not cover any personal healthcare services, such as dressing and bathing, if those are the only services that you require.
Part A will also take care of your home health care services’ total cost if you are an inpatient. However, you will have to pay the remaining 20% for any heavy-duty medical equipment that your doctor asks of you as Medicare will only cover 80% of the cost.
To receive home healthcare coverage, it must be given by a home healthcare agency that has been certified by Medicare. You must also be certified as home-bound by a doctor. Medicare will certify you as home-bound under the following circumstances:
- You can’t leave your home by yourself or without some level of effort
- You have been advised by your healthcare provider not to leave your home without assistance from someone else, a means of transportation, or special equipment
At Hitcho Insurance, we work with you to find the best Medicare policy that suits your needs, your goals, and your finances. Give us a call today at (610) 694-9435 and receive a free consultation.
